In The Netherlands, Offshore Energy reports the second edition of the Sustainable Maritime Fuel Fest Confidence Index revealed biodiesel as the top-ranked fuel for shipping decarbonization, surpassing LNG-biomethane, last year’s leader, and LNG e-methane, which held third place. The index, tracking stakeholder confidence across technology, infrastructure, commercial viability, and environmental credentials for 12 fuel types, assesses the readiness of alternative fuels for containerships, dry cargo vessels, gas carriers, passenger ships, and tankers.
Confidence in biodiesel’s environmental and commercial strengths led the rankings, reflecting growing industry knowledge and evolving priorities for maritime energy transitions. Notably, green ammonia climbed in favor, overtaking green hydrogen, while confidence in green methanol fell sharply from 53.5% to 40.6%.
Despite this progress, the SMF index highlights caution, with confidence declining across most fuel candidates. Grey and blue hydrogen fell significantly, suggesting uncertainty about these options’ future relevance. By contrast, the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping sees promise in bio-methane, e-methanol, and renewable diesels, citing substantial technological readiness.
The report underscores the need for global regulatory alignment, certification standards, and robust emission controls to achieve the International Maritime Organization’s 2050 decarbonization goals, as stakeholders navigate slow but steady progress.
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